Overview

Children ... They are not just miniature adults, but individuals with bodies and minds that grow at an amazing rate.

In just the first year of life, a newborn may grow from a seven-pound, 20-inch totally-dependent adorable little creature into a toddler whose weight has increased by 200 percent and length by 50 percent. And, in that same year, he has learned to communicate and ambulate, eat, drink, and play on his own, and make his wants and needs known.

Although in subsequent years, growth in stature and abilities may not be as rapid and dramatic, mental, physical, and emotional development are. And, through it all, from infancy to adolescence, parents must see that this child is:

weighed and measured regularly

receives his immunizations

has routine checkups to make sure he is developing well

cared for when sick or hurt

able to handle the pressures that life brings

Pediatricians and children's healthcare professionals provide comprehensive services for children of all ages. From specialized care for premature babies to routine checkups and well-child care, they have the expertise and experience to help parents give their children the right start to a healthy life.